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The Cabo Verde Remote Working Program

Cabo Verde's Digital Horizon: Policy, Law, and the Remote Working Program

Cabo Verde is actively re-engineering its economic identity. Historically reliant on seasonal "sun and sea" tourism, the archipelago has pivoted toward a strategy of digital transformation, aiming to position itself as a technological hub in the mid-Atlantic. Central to this strategy is the attraction of international human capital through the Remote Working Program, launched in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following analysis outlines the government policies driving this shift, the legal framework governing remote workers, and the specific role digital nomads play in Cabo Verde's development.

1. Government Policy: The "Tech Islands" Vision

The Government of Cabo Verde has explicitly integrated digital transformation into its national development strategy, known as the Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development (PEDS II 2022–2026). The objective is to diversify the economy and reduce vulnerability to external shocks, such as the travel restrictions that decimated tourism revenue in 2020.

Key Policy Pillars:

  • TIWA (Tech Islands of West Africa): The government aims to brand the nation as "TIWA," positioning the archipelago as a secure, stable, and connected gateway between Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
  • Digital Economy Strategy (EEDCV): This strategy aspires for the digital economy to represent approximately 25% of the national GDP. It focuses on capacity building, improving the business environment, and infrastructure construction.
  • "Digital Brain Gain": A core component of the policy is attracting foreign talent—digital nomads and tech entrepreneurs—to transfer skills to the local youth. The government views this as a symbiotic relationship where nomads provide mentorship and workshops in exchange for a high quality of life.

2. The Remote Working Program: Origins and Objectives

Launch Date: The Remote Working Program (also known as the Digital Nomad Visa) was officially launched in December 2020,. It was introduced by the Ministry of Tourism and Transport as an immediate response to the pandemic to revive the economy by attracting long-stay visitors,.

The Role of Digital Nomads: Under this program, digital nomads are viewed not merely as tourists but as catalysts for economic and social development:

  • Economic Diversification: Nomads stay longer and spend more locally than traditional tourists, creating a steady revenue stream that is less dependent on peak holiday seasons.
  • Knowledge Transfer: Nomads are encouraged to engage with local communities. For example, remote workers in Mindelo and Praia have led workshops on web development and digital marketing, fostering a "cross-pollination" of ideas with local entrepreneurs.

3. The Legal Framework

The legal basis for the Remote Working Program has evolved to formalize the status of remote workers within the country's immigration system.

Applicable Laws:

  • Law No. 27/X/2023 (May 8, 2023): This law introduced the third amendment to the legal regime for the entry, stay, and expulsion of foreigners (originally Law No. 66/VIII/2014). It specifically regulated the residence visa for the exercise of professional activities performed remotely outside the national territory,.
  • Decree-Law n.º 13/2025 (May 15, 2025): This decree implemented the regulation of the residence visa. It lists the specific requirements for applying, including proof of affiliation with a company or entity outside of Cabo Verde,.

Key Legal Provisions:

  • Tax Residency: Holders of this visa are granted temporary residency but not tax residency. Consequently, they are exempt from paying income tax in Cabo Verde on earnings generated outside the country,,.
  • Duration: The visa is valid for six months and is renewable for an additional six months.
  • Work Restrictions: The law strictly prohibits visa holders from engaging in employment with Cabo Verdean companies; their income must be sourced internationally.

4. Contextual Infrastructure and Requirements

To understand the viability of the program, one must look at the infrastructure Cabo Verde has built to support it.

Digital Infrastructure:

  • Connectivity: The government has invested heavily in the EllaLink submarine cable, which connects Cabo Verde directly to Europe (Portugal) and South America (Brazil), significantly reducing latency,.
  • Redundancy: As of December 2024, Starlink (satellite internet) officially launched operations in Cabo Verde, providing high-speed coverage even in remote areas.
  • Tech Parks: The TechPark CV, with hubs in Praia and Mindelo, is a €51 million investment designed to host data centers and offer business continuity services, serving as a physical anchor for the digital strategy,.

Program Eligibility: The program is currently open to citizens from:

  • Europe
  • North America
  • Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP)
  • Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO),.

Financial Requirements: Applicants must prove financial solvency to ensure they do not become a burden on the state. The requirement is a minimum average bank balance over the last six months of €1,500 for individuals and €2,700 for families,.

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